The Playful Party Bike - 2021 RSD Middle Child Aluminum V2 Review

The 2021 RSD Middle Child V2 is here and it's time to get some dirt on the tires. The Middle Child is no stranger to this channel, I've owned 3 of them. This is my first time aboard the aluminum model. Today we take it out on some trails to see how it rides, and how it compares to the steel and ti versions. Don't forget to use coupon code "PARTY" for everything at rsdbikes.com. Learn more about this bike here: bit.ly/3k3x8H3
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[@hardtailparty]

RSD has a 5% off code for all hardtail party subscribers. Use code "party" at checkout.

[@chubsound]

I bought the orange Middlechild chromoly steel frame for my 50th birthday this year. Did my own custom build and went way over budget, just over$5K (do not tell my girlfriend). Love the bike hate that I'm getting to old to send it like my brain wants to. Ride, ride every chance you get.

[@daniels6997]

Yes!! Been waiting for the aluminum review. Everything you said got me shaking my head "yes, yes, yes". This is definitely the bike I want and I would only know about it through you; so major props for showcasing it. Now its just a matter of when I pull the trigger.

[@hardtailparty]

Better hurry, i hear they're still in stock, but i wouldn't expect it to last long.

[@RobDTom]

Your reviews are excellent. I didn’t think I would ever watch this entire video but it was so compelling I couldn’t turn it off.

[@hardtailparty]

Thank you so much for the kind words.

[@brackonlundy8263]

100% agree with everything in the video. Love this bike and company. I Just built up a ti middlechild frame from the most recent batch. Had chatted with Alex on sizing and fit. His response was in depth and second to none. Hands down the best service I had ever received. Also, I had done the patreon service and talked with Steve on my ideas for the bike build. Again 100% stoked about the service. I cannot thank you enough. My ti build is a rocket ship and it was worth talking to you before spending that money to make it happen. The info shared was super helpful! I Cannot be more in support of both you and RSD. Keep the party going

[@hardtailparty]

Wow Brackon, I'm humbled by your reply. Thank you so much for the kind words. That ti middle child is special, isn't it? It's been fun working with you over on Patreon.

[@lars_atx]

Great review. I have the MC V2 and love it, and Alex is incredibly awesome. I had lots of questions, and he was great.

[@hansonwang2121]

“Like all the other middle children” I died at that part! Looking forward to the review. RSD HQ is 30 minutes from me and I would love to have one of their bikes.

[@hardtailparty]

Lucky man!

[@danno3000]

The Middlechild is made for the Don!

[@noelwarner8874]

I saw this drop this morning and it was kill’n me that I didn’t have the time to watch it right then! Well worth the wait and a compelling bike. Make mine aluminum.

[@junglejim3433]

Great reviews, plus I love seeing the trails that I used to ride!

[@levyfeiteira850]

Ordered the 27.5+ complete with dropper and can't wait to hit the trails with it! Thanks for the great review Steve!

[@hardtailparty]

Awesome! You're going to love it.

[@davidhargrave8611]

Awesome video as usual! I had a V1 steel MC that I recently parted with and have a Ti V2 on order. Wanted the lighter weight and more supple feel. Can't agree more that this is one special bike. Love it!

[@hardtailparty]

Huge congrats. The ti one will blow your socks off. It's so good.

[@zepols86]

loved this video, always curious about this bike and know so much great information

[@Dankis_Kankis]

Just went for my first ride on the MC Aluminum, and everything you said was absolutely spot on. Such amazing bike!

[@hardtailparty]

Right on! It's such a special bike.

[@JustSnowglow]

The V1 was my first new bike for 14 years. Absolute monster on the trails here in the northeast! I'm running 29s and I can still barely get away with the dropouts slid all the way forward! Absolutely bonkers!

[@jasonlorance1918]

Thanks so much for all you do! Just ordered my MC today! Went with the Aluminum frame & Steel build kit, like you recommended. 😊

[@hardtailparty]

Excellent choice!

[@Gritty_InTheCity]

This review was a huge reason that I just went out and picked up a V2 Middlechild! Assembled it yesterday and was shredding in Toronto’s Don Valley today. Amazing that this thing is at home in desert or the wet, rooty east! Started in long mode but I can’t wait to slam my chain stays into PARTY!!!

[@Gritty_InTheCity]

Alex, the man himself, convinced me on the spot to switch my 29er build to 27.5+. So, so happy I took the plunge!

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats! This bike was designed for the Don.

[@peterhaworth6859]

My favourite reviewer..great work steve👌

[@nhualde3148]

I just pre-ordered a Middlechild V2 Ti, Alex responded so fast. I can't wait to shred my Prescott trails on it! Keep up with the amazing vids my man! Just wanted to add that Alex even responded on Christmas Day, unbelievable!

[@hardtailparty]

Alex is the man. Congrats, that mc ti is awesome. It'll do especially well in the delles and out in little italy and happy ending.

[@nhualde3148]

@@hardtailparty happy ending and little Italy are some of my favorites, and coming down firewater!

[@MatthewHashim]

I received my Al Middlechild recently, thanks to some advice from Hardtail Party! Still need to finish up the build but looking forward to hitting the trails here in Tucson. For those that are curious, the XL has an older style seat tube gusset and not the smaller triangle shape. The raw Al finish is striking!

[@MatthewHashim]

BTW, I bought it with the steel build 👍

[@adamarmbrust6368]

​@@MatthewHashim how do you like this bike in Tucson and southern Arizona? I also live in Tucson and am looking for an aggressive hardtail to compliment my Guerrilla Gravity Smash. What tire size do you normally run? Thanks in advance!

[@MatthewHashim]

@@adamarmbrust6368 it's a great bike! Very capable geometry, great climber and decender. It's built tough for when you do crash too. I smacked the downtube on an exposed rock after laying it down due to getting in the marbles and only dinged it slightly. I recently put on a set of 27.5 x 3.0 specialized purgatory but will likely go back to the 2.8s to fit the rim perfectly. Either maxxis dhr or specialized butcher next time. I really have no complaints other than lack of time to ride.

[@Mikemalone7873]

27.5+ is my favorite too. I’m not a racer, just like riding and they seem to cover all the bases for me. Thanks for the review.

[@theaveragejoemtb8614]

Lol I Already chose, I’ve had the aluminum one for almost a year now and absolutely love it. I have ridden it with 29x2.6 tires , 27.5x2.8 and mullet with 130,140 and 150mm forks. My favorite set up is 27 5+ with a 150 mill fork. I know it’s just the opposite as to what you like but for me it’s the perfect set up.

[@danm4083]

I had the al v1 and now have the steel v2 in purple. Love both but really like the updates of v2 and the classic look of the skinnier steel tubing. One day I'll get to the ti but until then I am more than happy. Thank you for putting the middle children on my radar.

[@josehurtado7822]

What is the difference between V1 and the V2 .?? I meant how do you feel both when you ride them ??

[@dirtyspokecycling7580]

In trying to cobble together content of my own, because you and several others have inspired me with y’all’s amazing content. I find it so much more inspiring, at how clear, concise and entertaining your content is, while trying to create palatable content of my own. I absolutely love both your technical insight, with a bike in your stand, as well as your riding of those bikes. It’s awesome how you explain the minutia of frames, geometry and what fits, then ride that bike in a later episode. All while connecting with your audience as we watch scenic vistas and listen to your top tier commentary about what you like and don’t like. Truly remarkable and inspiring! Thank You for all your hard work… Steve, I trust your brand more than any bike manufacturer out there. Keep crushing it!

[@josephfarrugia2350]

Such an awesome ride, such a well explained review. Gratitude for the effort. It would be awesome if you could share thoughts how it rides on 29er wheels? Once again hats off for the great content.

[@AndrewShackleton]

You're still rocking the AdventX and it looks like the finger is healing up too. Love your content!

[@andyhagen3400]

Picked mine up a couple weeks ago. Raw aluminum 27.5 build kit with dropper and is such a great bike! Jumps, roots, berms, rock gardens anything. This thing is a party animal! Totally agree with your review. I was a bit nervous about climbing capability before it came in but that is a non issue, really.

[@hardtailparty]

it's so rare for a bike to get all of these things right. They killed it with this one.

[@nathanwhitmire3888]

Alex's service is top notch and it's a pleasure to chat with him. Now Alex we need an aluminum "Older Brother" 29+ version of this bike!

[@hardtailparty]

Sergeant V4 looks pretty close.

[@nathanwhitmire3888]

@@hardtailparty True and from pics it looks like a 3.0 on Duroc 50 fits slammed.

[@pauldelarzac615]

I have a “newish” rider, my 15 yo son, on this in the 29 build and he’s loving it. I bought the Alu frame with the steel components build. He doesn’t have a modern riding style (yet) but is already faster and more confident on the chunky trails we ride. It’s awesome and now I have bike envy! Btw, I used Steve’s bike consulting service and it helped me make the best choice for him. Thanks Steve!

[@hardtailparty]

Hey Paul, thanks for the kind words. I'm glad he's loving his MC. Lucky kid!

[@MikeKraemer87]

I bought one, used your code. Am STOKED to finally get this frame. I have been going through your videos for the last month trying to figure out which frame i wanted to get.

[@cranksnplanks]

Probably be my next hard tail. Would look good next to the "Mayor" V4. I'd go aluminum all day 👌 Great review and insights as per usual 🤘😎🤙🚴⛰️

[@L4J20]

Man, sounds like a FUN bike! Which is why I ride...for fun! I want a Ti one 😫 even though I was riding my Chromag Wideangle tonight and said to myself, "Man, what a rad bike!"

[@tolstoipie]

Nice review. Thanks.

[@pauls3616]

Looks like a fantastic bike. You are not making this easy on me. I have been looking at hard tails for about a year and I finally have just about everything I need to put on a frame. However, it is hard to make a decision when you have another great bike in for review. RSD has been a great company to deal with and only about an hour away from me so I would like to support them even more. I might have to book a consultation with you but not so much for which bike to get but you can explain to my wife why I will have boxes from Stanton, Pipedream and RSD showing up to the house. Thanks for the review.

[@thingsilike7341]

Got my steel middle child last week. Snowed the next day. I haven’t even bedded in the brakes. Can’t wait to ride it though

[@hardtailparty]

torture!

[@billw_mtb3220]

Great to hear that the al frame is good too. Really interested in this bike as a single speed. The ti might be too much of an investment, but the al could do the trick.

[@kevinharrison1374]

I have the RSD Middlechild steel and the RSD Mayor fat bike. I ride the Mayor probably 75% of the the time, i have more fun on the fat bike and I'm actually faster on it, according to Strava. Great Review!

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

So... do you like it? You're kinda vague ;) RSD and Alex are killing it! I'm bummed they're no longer selling through shops but Alex seems to be doing one of the best consumer direct businesses out there so really glad he's doing well. Great review as usual!

[@hardtailparty]

He runs a great business. Stand up guy and great bikes.

[@stumpjumper4117]

Waited for the aluminum ones to be in stock... so I got myself one yesterday.... going to get the titanium in April...that's going to be The single speed silver bullet. Great review.👍👍

[@hardtailparty]

Awesome!

[@stumpjumper4117]

@@hardtailparty my old ss was 15yrs old and I can't find parts anymore 🙄..... so, time for a new one😄

[@eriklenzing3288]

Ok I’m convinced. Just ordered one. 😀

[@kaldtonde]

ha i knew this review was coming and knew what you were gonna say. you told me to pick up the aluminum with the steel upgrades but that purple steel stole my heart. no regrets on the buy as ill pick up a titanium frame later, swap over the goods, and hang the purple monster on the wall. thanks for the help steve. the smiles even the heavy steel one puts out is amazing.🥰

[@kaldtonde]

@@themtrchannel9529 rsd website shows $2500 usd

[@paulv8453]

Did you go with the 29er or 27+ build? And how are you liking it?

[@kaldtonde]

@@paulv8453 I went with 27+. I can't compare to what I really think of it because it's my first bike. The turning is super agile, tracks well, and the 12 speed is more than enough. 5'11, longer than average arms and legs and its a perfect fit. Still learning the tweaks I can achieve for comfort but to sum up; I didn't know a bicycle could make me so happy.

[@paulv8453]

@@kaldtonde Sounds sweet! Thanks! 👍

[@michaelrieser9928]

What size did you go with ? I’m 6 feet, longer everything, I’m thinking I’ll go xl. I max out the seat post on most on most larges.

[@William.N]

Completely agree about the chunky look of aluminum versus the look of steel! I love the aluminum look!

[@wallyedmonds8199]

👍🏻 I have the aluminum one 2019 with a pike It’s awesome 27.5+

[@tombowman9463]

Yay! Thanks Steve.

[@hardtailparty]

I think you'd like this one.

[@idiotonbike]

Enjoyable review yet again!! Would you say this frame is similar in compliance to an alloy Ragley (Mmmbop or Big Al that you've tested)?

[@hardtailparty]

Hard to say with the 3.0s. i suspect the regley is softer.

[@chrisandrews5881]

Sounds good will take playful every time over outright speed, not seen an RSD in the UK before

[@hughsnyder891]

Hi Steve ! Any chance you can get your hands on a new Canfield Yellie Screamy when they become available? Always enjoy your videos !

[@hardtailparty]

Anytime a hardtail is announced, you can rear assured I've reached out to the company to get one in for review. I've been in touch with Canfield about the yelli. They gave me some sneak peeks of it a few months back, so I'm hoping I get one in soon

[@Rob801]

Great review! I had originally ordered the Al V2, back in February then at some point noticed that the Steel actually came in slightly lighter with it’s build, and I cancelled my first order… not so much due to the weight but because I wanted the better specs that I hadn’t noticed earlier… I considered what you mentioned at the end of the video and asked Alex what the price would be for the Al frame with the Steel build and it would have been (at the time) 100 bucks cheaper than just buying the the steel frame and build. I figured for that small amount I’d go for the sure thing (having seen your enthusiasm for the steel frame earlier, and the Al V2 stiffness still being a slight unknown factor). I’m glad to hear the Al is such an awesome frame, but I am super happy I went with the steel… I got mine last week and the purple frame is just stunning imho. Much better looking than any impressions I got from the photos. Like you said a couple weeks ago, the best bike is the one you own 🙂 Of course I came down with a bad cold last weekend so despite waiting since February, I haven’t even been out on it yet 🙄…. Can’t wait for Saturday to get here!!!

[@hardtailparty]

Noooo. Hopefully your cold gets better soon. I agre, that purple is STUNNING. Congrats on a rad bike.

[@Rob801]

@@hardtailparty thanks! All better. Have to mount a new trailer hitch on my Jeep today to hold my new bike rack since the bike didn’t actually fit in the back the way I thought it would (without takling the front tire off every time 😐), so will be out on it later today or tomorrow, can’t wait 😁.

[@paulv8453]

@rob801 Did you go with the 29er or 27+ build?

[@Rob801]

@@paulv8453 I went with the 27.5. That was the hardest decision. In the end I went with Alex’s recommendation. My last bike had 26” rims so when I got this even the 27.5 felt bigger to me. Have had it out a few times now and love it, but man, I can feel it’s been a while since I’ve been mountain biking. I had a fairly severe hamstring injury in July so my first outing a couple weeks ago was my first real cardio since. It kicked my butt! 😅

[@lonewanderer2287]

I hope the Sergeant is as good or at least close to this. I’m stoked to finally get mine this month.

[@federicovega2292]

Great content 👍 Steve. What's the minimum chain clearance you could have on the rear between the tire and the chain I'm plus size bike? Thanks

[@artcole80]

Steve, Can the head angle be kitted steeper for BKPKG? Reversing the kit that slackens. Hmmm? Killing channel and vibe. You da HT boss! Art

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, i talk about that briefly in this vid. I'd use a works Angleset backwards to make it 1.5* steeper.

[@plain-bagel]

I’m a newer mtb rider and loving your channel for the wealth of info you provide. I’m wondering if you could expand on what you mean by “a modern riding technique” and how it relates to the Timberjack being difficult for some of the experienced riders you’ve loaned it to? I was under the impression that the TJ was a decent beginner bike.

[@hardtailparty]

Welcome to the party. Thanks for watching. The new tj is really hard to ride well. See my video on modern riding technique.

[@plain-bagel]

@@hardtailparty Thanks for the recommendation. I watched your modern riding technique and geometry videos and they were excellent!

[@mikej6668]

Seems like a great bike. I ordered the earlier model chameleon but this bike seems to have the similar characteristics of a hardtail that I would like. What kind of tire pressures are you running in these plus size tires? Also, those trails are worth watching your videos alone. Have you considered group or private tours of those trails in Sedona? Great reviews as usual.

[@hardtailparty]

Unfortunately I'm not allowed to tour. The forest service requires permits to tour, and they're not issuing any more permits ever in my area. I run about 15-20 psi depending on conditions.

[@JohnDoe-zb7dz]

Great review. I was wondering if you are gonna ride/review the Sirius. Party on!!

[@hardtailparty]

Of course I will, it just takes time. I've got a few bikes in the hoper right now and o need to get thorough those edits first.. Everyone needs to know what it rides like.

[@JohnDoe-zb7dz]

@@hardtailpartyThanks for the reply and thanks for all the work you do for us viewers. You are so blessed to get to ride such beautiful places. Ride on!

[@s0ckeyeus429]

I hope plus tires stick around too, or at least as long as I'm riding my current hardtail. Tire selection is kind of limited at the moment, and prices are high. I keep thinking about jumping ship to a 29" FS, but reviews like these make me start thinking about another hardtail instead. It's hard to beat the price to fun ratio.

[@ericsundell9978]

I kinda wanna build a custom set of 26er wheels for a middle child frameset. Might have to make this my next frame....

[@JJMilk]

Always cool videos. Out of interest, in this review, what tyres were you riding?

[@hardtailparty]

3.0 specialized purgatory f/r

[@JJMilk]

@@hardtailparty I have a 2016 Fuse, which came with that front tyre. Know it well. Hey, we are kinda similarly built and I also love my hardtail. Big torso, short legs and 5.6. 😂😎 Always look forward to your insights. Till the next video. Cheers

[@dondyrecords]

I ordered the Aluminum one but I'm still waiting for it to come. Excited to build it up!

[@hardtailparty]

It should be close, no? I hear they're shipping out soon. Alex should be able to tell ya.

[@dondyrecords]

@@hardtailparty He told me they didn't have enough of the raw aluminum version to fulfill my order on the last batch so I have to wait until the end of this month.

[@hardtailparty]

@@dondyrecords ah, gotcha. Yeah, it's crazy. Aluminum prices are way up and availability is down. Ironically, ti is down, so we might start seeing more ti.

[@dondyrecords]

@@hardtailparty Yeah luckily I ordered mine before the prices went up! Your TI video is one of the reasons I choose this frame. Also got the 3" 27.5+ tires as per your reco.:)

[@X41N3]

I would go for the alu version too

[@theBoogerman666]

I've got two steel middle children, one 27.5+ and one 29er. My favorite bike easy

[@hardtailparty]

Ageeed. They were years ahead of their time and the V2 is even better

[@robertcasson3283]

Bike sounds rad. One question I have is about the DVO fork, how is it??

[@bryanmartinez4893]

I had the yellow V1 middlechild but unfortunately had to sell it. It recently came up for sale and I’m trying to buy it back. Definitely would have went with a v2 MC but I just love the bright yellow.

[@hardtailparty]

That bright yellow was amazing.

[@eriklenzing3288]

Great Review. Do you think 27.5+ is fading away? I’ve noticed tires are less available than the other sizes lately. I’d like to see plus stick around.

[@hardtailparty]

No, i just think there's a shortage on parts. Most ebikes are 27.5+

[@isaacbrooks5999]

I gave the RSD a long hard look, but ended up getting the Big Al. It was better for my budget. It looks like a super fun bike!

[@hardtailparty]

Both great bikes with different personalities. Glad you're enjoying your big Al.

[@paulv8453]

@Isaac Brooks Where did you find your Big AL? I can’t find them in the USA. Thanks

[@isaacbrooks5999]

@@paulv8453 Hey, I was lucky enough to get one from Chain Reaction back in the early summer. Check with the Bike Bondsman (I had a few conversations with them, but Chain Reaction got them in stock first). Ragley just posted on Facebook that they just sent out a bunch of stock to their dealers. They have a dealers list on their website. Good luck! I love my Big Al. So much fun.

[@RideYearRound]

Love my aluminum Mayor V5. I have a feeling another RSD will be in my bike stable at some point...

[@hardtailparty]

They're knocking it out of the park with their models. I'm excited for the sergeant V4 too.

[@RideYearRound]

@@hardtailparty Yeah the Sergeant looks killer. I'd already have one if they had been available earlier in the year. Enjoyed the video, looked like some really fun trails.

[@cjogorda]

Hope you can review merida big trail. Cheers!

[@Adam-xo7cv]

Hey Steve, I'm not sure if it's KZbin not allowing a link, but I responded to your pinned comment with a link to the new Canfield Brothers Yelli Screamy sporting a 65.5 degree head tube angle, 77 degree seat tube angle, short 424mm chain stays and fits 29x2.8" tires! You should get your hands on one....I ride the EPO which is a carbon version of the older Yelli, but only fits 29x2.5" in the rear. I think I just found my new dream bike frame....

[@hardtailparty]

They're supposed to be sending me one any day now.

[@Adam-xo7cv]

@@hardtailparty Dude. That's awesome. I can't wait to see it! I'm a big Canfield fan, and I've watched quite a few of your brutally honest reviews as well. Have fun shredding on it! Let me know if I need to save up the $750 to replace my frame :)

[@hardmtnbiker]

The Geo and the design is amazing. Just kinda heavy for aluminum but I understand the need. The Ti might be a bit lighter but how much lighter? Aluminum without a burly design is usually as light as Ti or sometimes lighter but Ti is just stronger.

[@hardtailparty]

Don't forget this has sliding dropouts, which adds to the weight. The ti one is noticeably lighter. Details including weights are on rsd's website.

[@ianfurqueron5850]

I would get the Ti one - mainly because much of the price difference between Ti and Al would be offset by the seat post. All of my current seat posts are 31.6.

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for bringing that up, i meant to mention that the Al frames have a 30.9 seat post.

[@sixate]

Listening to you describe how well it rides is so good. It's exactly the bike I'm looking for, but minus one huge thing..... doesn't fit 29+. I'm dying for a 29+ hardtail that rides like the Middlechild.

[@hardtailparty]

It fits 29x2.8. that said, the sergeant V4 fits 29+

[@sixate]

Also should mention I have dreams of a titanium rig too.

[@mikecarlino5275]

thanks again for another great insightful review Steve...any chance you get on a Reeb Redikelous in the future (I know you did a review a year or two ago from Outerbike)... just sold my 2019 Chamelon and thinking the the Ti Middlechild....but I currently have a Reeb Sqweeb and was thinking of staying with the REEB family (Jeff L. and the folks at REEB are awesome) ...but something about a Ti hardtail excites me.... keep up the great work.

[@hardtailparty]

Reeb can make ti hardtails.

[@buckroger6456]

Just wanted to add since you didn't mention this but the cable routing on the RS middle child is spot on. I see a lot of bikes still running cables on the bottom of the downtube smh. Maybe it's just me but cable routing is a big thing to me. Now I know this was a bike review but I couldn't help but get lost and the views. Man I really need to head up there to ride someday, not that the trails down here in Tucson aren't great.

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed, the cable routing is spot on. Tucson trails rock too. I'll be heading down there when it gets cold here.

[@buckroger6456]

@@hardtailparty it's been warming back up down here 😀 only bad thing is that after all the rain we had this year, a lot of trails are super bushy. I haven't checked 50 year trail yet, but I know that the AZ trail was really over grown about a month ago. I know a lot of cyclist seem to like internal cable routing but I'm old school as old school gets, and find it so much easier to work on external cables. Oh whatever happened to that bike packing you had planned? I've been looking forward to the video. My plan is to do one going to south rim and back home next year.

[@ardaonen260]

If you were to compare descending ability between this and the Honzo ESD what would you say?

[@GoodTrails]

Hey Steve, Can I get your opinion on the D3? I am considering this build in steel but I’m not familiar with DVO at all! Thanks!

[@endianAphones]

After 9 months of waiting, I got my Canyon Stoic (27.5", size S) last week, and I've got the same grips! That green was cheaper than the other colors. If I wasn't on a different continent, I would let you review it as it's one the cheapest modern geo bikes you can get and I think the sport should be more accessible.

[@hardtailparty]

I'll need to connect with canyon again.

[@CasperRc81]

I can’t sit on one of these. I REALLY REALLY like hi stack bikes bars in your chest feeling. I sat on sever bikes and the 2022 chameleon feels the best to me. This has low stack numbers in large could risk XL idk.

[@benwiel-lake4422]

What are your thoughts on the production privee Shan GT? Interesting to see you have reviewed any PP bikes. Is there a reason for that?

[@hardtailparty]

It's my goal to review every moment serious hardtail on the planet. However, it's up to the companies whether they want to send a bike in for review of not. I've reached out to production privee many times through the years. Sadly, I haven't been able to convince them to send one in for review. Not all companies understand the value of KZbin reviews. Their geo looks oretty dated in the reach dept, but they have some cool things going on with their frames.

[@ryandmtb]

Do you have inserts on those baby? Great review!

[@hardtailparty]

No inserts.

[@ryandmtb]

@@hardtailparty do you recommend putting inserts on trails. Not aggressive ride, Especially on hardtail on rear? Thanks! Like your vids and reviews! What was the reach again on that bike Medium frame?

[@hardtailparty]

@@ryandmtb i have a couple videos on this topic. Check em out.

[@breannapowers4053]

What PSI do you ride the 27.5+ tires on your trails?

[@tyfyshyn3620]

Should do a budget review on a bike like… I don’t know, the Polygon Xtrada 6 😉

[@hardtailparty]

Ive reached out to polygon many times with no response.

[@chrisbunker2573]

So with the seat angle being 74 degrees, it’s still climbs well? I thought that would be pretty slack for a seat angle.

[@mervun29]

Wow great review, I wish I could have one here in the Philippines^L^,v

[@stevensass3552]

Curious on sizing, at 5'10 average proportion I'm leaning to large. Any advice?

[@brentmiller4060]

Are you going to be at Sedona bike festival? Hopefully see you there.

[@hardtailparty]

If course, i wouldn't miss it. I'll be leading two rides there. More info on the schedule. Say hi if you see me.

[@ericd8739]

If you had to choose between the RSD Middlechild and Pole Taival, which one would you pick?

[@hardtailparty]

It depends. These are exactly the type of questions we chat about over on Patreon.

[@DoctorWho_1979]

So I'm currently on a 2020 Specialized Rockhopper 1x AL. It was my first new bike in over a decade. Having ridden it over the last 1.5 years...I really want a more aggressive geo I can just swap all my components to (Full SLX 7100 Groupo, Stan's Wheels - Boost, Fox 32 Stepcast). Most of the ones I see (on Chain Reaction) all have a minimum travel of 130+. Any suggestions for HT frames that would work with a 100mm fork, but still has a more aggressive (slack) geo and DOESN'T brake the bank e.g. $500 ish?

[@hardtailparty]

That's a big ask. Unfortunately there aren't many.

[@andrmikg]

How much weight would you estimate you could save with the wheels compared to an equivalent category alloy rim?

[@hardtailparty]

You can see the exact weight specs online. These wheels are super light.

[@andrmikg]

@@hardtailparty Thanks!

[@delukze]

18:26 what do you mean by a little bit overbuilt?

[@chriskimber7179]

Interesting that your weight on the aluminum frame is quite a bit more than website claim of 5.5# (side note, why do we weigh frames and complete bikes in # but every component is weighed in gram?) That DVO fork is a little on the heavy side too I believe -compared to a fox 34 or a Pike. How did you like the fork? I don't call myself a weight weenie -but I do attribute some of the snappy feel I get from a hardtail to reduced mass. I really wish I'd jumped on the ti MC pre-order in August before the price shot up $800, maybe the next shipment will arrive on a cheaper boat?

[@hardtailparty]

I weighed it with the axle, seat collar, and headset cups. That's not how most people weight their bikes, but it's how I weigh all the frames that come in.

[@kilgoretrout25]

@@hardtailparty what do you mean you weighed it with the axle as well? You mean you weighed it with the 2 thru-axles? Do they come with the frame?

[@hardtailparty]

@@kilgoretrout25 i weighed it with the rear thru axle. Almost all frames come with the rear axle these days.

[@devinbyrnes8058]

I would buy the aluminum. The Ti is just straight up too expensive. I know you and many others love your steel bikes, but I do not find them that special in general. I would run my next hardtail 27.5 for sure. The extra squish combined with the zippier feeling. I like a nimble hardtail.

[@heavypedaling1729]

Waiting on my rsd mayor v.5 aluminum. The shipping fiasco is really getting old. Rsd has had to delay the shipping twice now with no estimated delivery date

[@hardtailparty]

It's not just RSD, everyone's dates are getting pushed like crazy. Believe me, every bike company wants inventory in stock to ship right now.

[@winniethebubbly]

Would you be able to put 27.5 x 2.6 on these?

[@mdgeist472]

The remaining question is...if you had 2.4-2.6 tires (not plus size) tire and you had to choose steel or aluminum, which would it be?

[@hardtailparty]

This can't be answered in one sentence. It sounds like you'd be a good candidate for my bike consultation service.

[@mdgeist472]

@@hardtailparty This was just a curiousity. I'm not in the market for this level of bike since I neither have the skills or funds. I will make due with my big box bike. 😢

[@TucsonPoliceScanner]

I've riden Sedona I'm not I'm recognizing that trail, what is it?

[@hardtailparty]

It's one of the few uncrowded trails. I'm going to keep this one a secret. :)

[@JustSnowglow]

Do you remember what 29x2.8 tires you fit on this bruiser?

[@hardtailparty]

Terravail Coronados on a 40i rim

[@mitchellmtb7202]

What trail is this?

[@jordandunlop5629]

Just looking at the geo for the MC and everything ticks the box perfectly for my size of XL....except for the staggering low BB of 40mm. Have not seen a BB that low before. My izzo core 4 has 45mm and I hit everything. Can anyone here elaborate on this potential problem?

[@hardtailparty]

Hardtails don't have rear suspension so they dont sag as much. 40mm is spot on for a 27.5 hardtail

[@clay_not_dirt]

Speaking of keeping plus alive....where are you getting 27.5+ tires these days?

[@hardtailparty]

My local shop carries them. They're available online too. Ebikes are keeping plus tires alive too.

[@hardtailparty]

@@themtrchannel9529 27.5+ isn't going anywhere. We should be able to get them for a long time. 29+ on the other hand...

[@salazteca1]

Would you recommend the Middle child before the Santacruz Chameleon?

[@hardtailparty]

It depends on so many things. That's why I have my bike consultation service. I'd be happy to help you over there: subscribestar.com/hardtailparty

[@salazteca1]

@@hardtailparty thanks

[@gobindakc5888]

❤

[@emir5034]

When are you gonna try the canyon STOIC 3 or 4 out???!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!??!

[@hardtailparty]

They're nonexistent right now. They don't have a single bike to send me.